Pictures are the language of our generation – a powerful cultural force in an age where advertising and social media has saturated us with visuals.

But what message do our images send?

Visual media often portrays women as sexualised, sidelined or in supporting roles, and research shows that the more media a girl consumes the less options she believes she has in life.

Fortunately, this is changing. On social media, where females are the majority of users, young women are using the language of images – from memes to GIFs to the rise of the #uglyselfie -- to shift perceptions about gender and power.

Through visual language, YOU have the power to effect change, too.

Join image anthropologist Pamela Grossman, the director of visual trends at Getty Images, and award-winning journalist Jessica Bennett, contributing editor for the women’s empowerment nonprofit Lean In, to examine the changing relationship we have with images – and how we can all use our creativity to shape the future.

The ideas and emotions that images convey really matter to people, especially given the fact that imagery has become the language of our time.

As Co-founder and CEO of Getty Images, Jonathan has witnessed the evolution of the creation, distribution and use of content across all areas of media and advertising, and he's seen firsthand what a photo can do to inspire action and positive change.

In this talk, he will describe his journey of building Getty Images and falling in love with pictures, share some photos which have shaped his life, and explain why we are so moved by what we see.

It has often been said that if we can visualize it, we can create it, including a better world for women.

And we can, using pictures, platforms, and influential channels such as media and advertising to ignite important cultural shifts.

Join Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and founder of the women’s empowerment nonprofit LeanIn.Org, together with Getty Images CEO and Co-founder Jonathan Klein, Cosmopolitan Editor-In-Chief Joanna Coles, and BBDO Worldwide President and CEO Andrew Robertson, for a conversation about the power of visuals to shape our worldview.

Join the conversation online by using #RePicture, and help us challenge convention.

Widen the visual representation of Beauty, blur the lines of Family and Community, and create a new vision of Success.

To participate, upload the photo you’ve taken (consenting subject only of course) to either Twitter or Instagram, and add the #RePicture hashtag – tag the @GettyImages handle on Instagram. Our Editors will highlight their favorites.

By clicking the ‘Register Now’ or ‘Submit’ button you submit your information to Getty Images. We will use your email address and personal information to communicate with you regarding events, services and products. Your personal information will be governed by our privacy policy.
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